The central heating system in Bucharest is inefficient at the level of the 1960s and 1980s, and only global warming has saved us from the cold in the last 5-6 years, says Claudio Kretsu, CEO of Electrocentrale București (Elcen). The company is conducting research to see if it can use geothermal water from the capital’s basements to heat people.

“This system was left to collapse for 10-15 years. We have two CETs from the 60s and one from the 80s. Obviously, we cannot talk about the efficiency of such installations,” Kretsu said during the “Second Winter War in Energy” conference, organized by Profit.ro.

“I can say with all responsibility and with all confidence that global warming has saved us in the last 5-6 years. The last real winter in Bucharest was around 2012. We haven’t seen much snow since then. The first snow fell last winter. was March 1,” Elcen official also said.

The company is ready for the start of the cold season, but given the very high temperature outside, consumers may receive heat after November 1.

Elcen can use geothermal energy to heat the residents of Bucharest

Elcen wants to submit projects to receive investment money from the Modernization Fund after emerging from bankruptcy this year.

“We are thinking about the possibility of integrating geothermal energy. We don’t have 100 degrees like in other parts, but have reserves of 40-50 degrees, which could be a pretty good contribution in the future. That is why we are interested in investing in geothermal energy and energy storage,” Kretsu added.

Elsen has such plans for the first time.

“Using geothermal energy from the basements of the capital, we will be able to reduce gas costs,” Kretsu noted.